Students have played an important role in every democratic movement in the world. Even today, democratic movements are formed by students who are fighting for democracy in Zimbabwe or Belarus, in extremely tough conditions. ESU was proud that students from these two countries attended our conference and shared their experiences with the wider European Student movement.

In established democracies, student unions continue their work to improve quality, accessibility and the independence of higher education. They are a strong force in the creation of a European Higher Education Area, the so-called Bologna Process. Our research ‘Bologna With Students’ Eyes’ shows however that students are far from being fully involved in the implementation of the Bologna Process on the institutional and national level, which is only a sign of a broader problem.

Higher Education must be made more accountable to the people who are directly bearing the consequences of their actions, the students. There is a strong pressure on higher education institutions to reform their governance structures. By involving students, higher education institutions will hear more about the quality they deliver. Also, they will break traditional power structure by supporting students to become leaders. Students have to find a stronger place in the new governance structures of higher education institutions and ESU urges European institutions to support this message.

Representatives discussed how student unions can continue to reach out to their members and become stronger in representing student interests. Student unions need to be freed from political interference; they need to connect more with their base and need to find more financial means.

The conclusions of this conference were summarised in the 'Ljubljana Declaration' which outline the students' position:

Students as an important catalyst for reform
The discussions at the convention led to the acknowledgement that students have a huge say in the society of knowledge. As such, their contribution to progress cannot be underestimated. This contribution comes in varied forms across the continent from street protests to influential stakeholder positions influencing governments and higher education institutions.  

ESU as a promoter of student representation structures
ESU is committed to the representation of all students and their interests and promotes independent decision making. ESU ensures that all legitimate student representatives act in solidarity whenever these principles are threatened. Any problems will be actively identified and brought to public debate by ESU. 

Raising Awareness and Building Knowledge
ESU will build and manage sustainable financial structures, regulations & procedures to provide National Unions of Students with the resources needed to implement their goals. ESU will address new groups of students and is committed to diversifying the student body.
Higher Education needs to be further democratised in order for all to express their talents.

Remove Limits
The student population beyond our European borders are facing great difficulties. ESU will work to show solidarity with students across the globe and offer them tools to get their message across.

We would like to thank all the participants for their valuable contributions to this important conference. And of course a special thank you to our Slovene friends at SSU who did a wonderful job organising everything.